Kochi: In a notable development for India’s maritime sector, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the country’s premier shipbuilding and maintenance company, has secured an order from Polestar Maritime Limited for the construction of two 70-ton Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in May and September 2027, respectively.
Order Value and Strategic Importance
Classified as a “Notable” order—valued between Rs 100–250 crore—this marks a repeat contract from Polestar Maritime, a major operator in harbour tug operations, coastal towing, and marine port services. The previous order, involving three similar tugs, was placed with Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (Udupi-CSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of CSL.
This order strengthens CSL’s portfolio and reaffirms its position as a trusted partner for high-performance tugboat construction.
Advanced Tug Design and Joint Development
The two newly ordered tugs will be constructed based on specifications by Robert Allan Limited, a global leader in advanced tugboat design. The project will be executed through a work-share model between CSL (Cochin) and Udupi-CSL, in alignment with the Government of India’s Approved Standard Tug Design and Specifications (ASTDS) program under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
Each tug will be powered by twin 1838 kW main engines and 2.7-meter propellers, sourced from Niigata IHI Power Systems Co. Ltd., Japan, ensuring superior performance, propulsion, and maneuverability.
Green Tug Transition and Indigenous Manufacturing
Commenting on the order, Madhu Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, said:
“CSL is very happy to receive a repeat order from Polestar and is also committed to transforming the industry by introducing Battery Electric Tugs through the upcoming Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) announced by the Government of India.”
This move not only boosts conventional tug capacity but also reinforces CSL’s commitment to green and sustainable maritime solutions.
CSL Group’s Expanding Order Book
With this order, the CSL Group now has 18 conventional tugs and 2 green tugs at various stages of construction. The company has already delivered four tugs under the Make in India initiative, playing a key role in modernizing India’s marine and port infrastructure.
The upcoming tugs will be constructed at CSL’s main yard in Cochin, further strengthening its contribution to indigenous maritime capabilities and partnerships with both government and private sector stakeholders.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is one of India’s premier shipbuilding and ship repair public sector undertakings, operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, CSL has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality vessels and comprehensive repair services for a wide range of clients, including the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international commercial shipping companies.
